Château des Milandes, France

Château des Milandes, France

Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times

The late Gothic/early Renaissance castle was built in 1489 by François de Caumont for his wife, Claude de Cardaillac. But like other embellishments, the medallions that honor him on the chimney of the small dining room were added by a later owner, Charles Claverie, who began a full-scale restoration in 1900. Thanks to him, the building was in relatively good repair in 1947, when Josephine Baker married band leader Jo Bouillon in the château's chapel and moved in. -- Susan Spano Pictured: Château des Milandes.

The late Gothic/early Renaissance castle was built in 1489 by François de Caumont for his wife, Claude de Cardaillac. But like other embellishments, the medallions that honor him on the chimney of the small dining room were added by a later owner, Charles Claverie, who began a full-scale restoration in 1900. Thanks to him, the building was in relatively good repair in 1947, when Josephine Baker married band leader Jo Bouillon in the château's chapel and moved in. -- Susan Spano Pictured: Château des Milandes. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)

The late Gothic/early Renaissance castle was built in 1489 by François de Caumont for his wife, Claude de Cardaillac. But like other embellishments, the medallions that honor him on the chimney of the small dining room were added by a later owner, Charles Claverie, who began a full-scale restoration in 1900. Thanks to him, the building was in relatively good repair in 1947, when Josephine Baker married band leader Jo Bouillon in the château's chapel and moved in. -- Susan Spano Pictured: Château des Milandes.